Club by club guide to Thursday night's 2013 AFL national draft on the Gold Coast

20 November 2013 10:47 AM

159
0

All eyes will be on Victorian Tom Boyd at the AFL draft, with the highly-rated forward expected to be recruited as the number one pick by the GWS Giants.

The Crows will be thinking big this draft after building a fine crop of midfield talent. As much as they love Matt Crouch, big forward Michael Apeness and defenders Daniel McStay and Tom Cutler will be priority.

Crucial draft to rebuild side after recent exodus of youngsters. Would be a big reach to pluck key forward Cameron McCarthy at No.7. Expect defenders Daniel McStay and Darcy Gardiner to come into focus at No. 25.

Want some inside midfield support, preferably with some toe. Flew to regional WA to chat to Patrick Cripps but Nathan Freeman might still be there. Circling ex-Hawk goalkicker Mitch Thorpe with No. 39.

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Nathan Freeman is known for his explosive speed and intelligence in the clearances and appears a tantalising prospect for clubs at the 2013 AFL Draft.

Could be 2005 all over again as Pies secure two jets at six and 10. Derek Hine in raptures James Aish could fill the wing position vacated by Dale Thomas. Exciting but injury-hit tall Cameron Conlon linked to their No. 65 pick.

Bombers want to unleash young midfielders Elliott Kavanagh and Jackson Merrett next year, meaning they are eyeing a ruckman. Midfielder Darcy Lang is also on Bombers radar but he will be gone by No. 55.

Crossing all their fingers and toes Cameron McCarthy slides to them at No. 17. Even with Scotty Gumbleton heading west, the Dockers need to bolster their key stocks with Matthew Pavlich and Luke McPharlin ageing.

Time to add another inside midfielder as they regenerate the centre line. Zak Jones and Blake Acres on radar. Expect another key back to come into the frame also at No. 36.

We'll be in a Jack Martin frenzy early next season. Could be best first-year player we've seen in a long time. Looking at both Kolodjashnij twins, Kade and Jake, at No. 5 and No. 27.

Crazy the club can have the first two picks for the third straight year. Likes 173cm pocket rocket Lewy Taylor to fill void left by Taylor Adams and Dom Tyson. Going tall with No. 29.

Sandringham Dragons midfielder Josh Kelly is likely to score a place at GWS with pick two in the 2013 AFL Draft following an outstanding TAC Cup season.

Lots on the line for the Dees after giving away rights to Josh Kelly. Good thing his midfield mate Christian Salem should be on the board at No.9. Looking for a small goalkicker such as Jay Kennedy-Harris or Aaron Christensen at No. 40.

Relaxing night for the Roos with Luke McDonald already in Utah. Expecting a key defender at pick No. 30 but they also rate zippy small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris. Adds spark.

Cashed in some chips for Jared Polec and might elect for another Jake Neade-type small forward in Jarman Impey at No. 21. Also linked to big forward Apeness to help out John Butcher.

Key midfield targets might be gone by No. 12, meaning Zak Jones, a combative small midfielder/defender, enters the equation. Have done work on Matt Crouch. Dream result is classy flanker Ben Lennon.

Most important draft for Saints since 2001. Good thing is the club's fans will get to cheer on exciting top-end young talent, despite tough season ahead. All three could be midfielders but there's interest in key back Darcy Gardiner.

Swans had been watching Rory Lobb all year but won't hand over first pick for him, after signing ex-Tiger Tom Derickx. Jim Tsitas could be in late-pick frame. Tough finding gems at back end in shallow draft.

Coaches have demanded some inside midfielders to replace Daniel Kerr and Adam Selwood. Dom Sheed looking like a steal at No. 11 and they also admire Patrick Cripps and key back McStay.

Dogs have big kahunas picking Marcus Bontempelli at No.4. Huge upside but has been inconsistent. Mitch Honeychurch and Darcy Lang will appeal at No. 42 for a growing midfield.